End-of-Summer Bucket (and Book!) List

In Montessori, we believe that learning isn’t just something that happens at school. Children are naturally curious and want to discover, explore, and learn. By the end of the summer, they are often eager for opportunities to expand their awareness and engage in something meaningful. So why not use these last weeks of summer as an occasion to soak in experiences that will feed your child’s sense of wonder!

To inspire some end-of-summer adventures, this week we are combining the idea of a summer bucket list with our curated book list! 

If your child is older, you can share or post this list and offer a challenge to see how many items they can accomplish before school begins. For younger children, you can use the list as a source of inspiration to enjoy some special time together. 

We’ve included some of our favorite titles under each bucket list item. Heading to the library to gather books on the topic can inspire further exploration or even spark some interest. Although most of the books included are picture books, wordless books, or early readers, even older children can be inspired by a book left out on the kitchen table! Be sure to click on the book title to access the Goodreads description. 

Happy adventuring!

Climb a hill or a mountain. Explore a new hiking trail.

Hike by Pete Oswald

The Hike by Alison Farrell

Walk, bike, or skate along a bike path.

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva 

Canoe or raft on a local river.

River by Elisha Cooper

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Explore a nature area near your house.

I Took a Walk by Henry Cole

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman 

A Walk in the Woods by Christin Couture

Climb a tree.

Just Like Me, Climbing a Tree: Exploring Trees Around the World by Durga Yael Bernhard 

The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick 

Learn how to use a compass and map to find your way.

How to use a compass for kids (and adults too!): Your Little Guide to Becoming an Expert Navigator With a Trusty Compass by Henry D Bridges 

My Heart Is a Compass by Deborah Marcero 

Learn how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and cook breakfast outdoors.

S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Lita Judge 

The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book of Campfire Fun by Jane Drake and Mordicai Gerstein, illustrated by Heather Collins

Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Make sandcastles on the beach.

A Day for Sandcastles by Jonarno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng

Make mud pies.

Mud Book: How to Make Pies and Cakes by John Cage & Lois Long

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray

Search for invertebrates in seaside rock pools or woodland streams.

What's in the Tide Pool? by Anne Hunter

A River by Marc Martin

Build a fort or lean-to in the woods.

Fort-Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

A Kids' Guide to Building Forts by Tom Birdseye

Spend some hours making dams and bridges on little streams.

Streams and Ponds: My Nature Sticker Activity Book by Olivia Cosneau 

All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson  

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Deborah Hocking 

We're Going to Build a Dam by Gillian McClure 

Try catching frogs.

ribbit by Jorey Hurley

a boy, a dog, and a frog by Mercer Mayer

Try catching fireflies in a jar.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe  

Fly, Firefly by Shana Keller, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki 

Learn how to identify a few constellations and how to find the North Star.

Wishing on a Star: Constellation Stories and Stargazing Activities for Kids by Fran Lee  

Glow-in-the-Dark Constellations by C. E. Thompson  

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Learn where north, south, east, and west are in relation to your home.

The Compass Rose and Cardinal Directions by Caitlin McAneney

Maps and Globes: A New True Book by Ray Broekel

Maps and Globes by Jack Knowlton, illustrated by Harriet Barton

Watch the Perseid meteor shower (which peaks August 11-12).

Meteor Showers (True Book: Space) by Jane Kelley 

Exploring Meteor Showers (Discover the Night Sky) by Brigid Gallagher

Build a birdhouse (here are some good reasons why!).

Bird House by Blanca Gómez 

Building Birdhouses (How-to Library) by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Kathleen Petelinsek 

The House I'll Build for the Wrens by Shirley Neitzel, illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker 

Ask your parent or grandparent to teach you how to whittle a piece of wood.

Forest Craft: A Child's Guide to Whittling in the Woodland by Richard Irvine

Whittling Projects for Adventurous Kids by Floris Books 

Be able to name the local birds in your neighborhood (use binoculars, learn to recognize bird songs, etc.).

Backpack Explorer: Bird Watch: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing, illustrated by Oana Befort 

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson

My Awesome Field Guide to North American Birds: Find and Identify Your Feathered Friends by Mike Graf 

Have You Heard The Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak 

Learn the names of the trees on your property or in your area.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Trees: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing 

Trees (Field Guides for Kids) by Andrea Debbink  

Collect something and make a little museum at home (shells, rocks, feathers, postcards of natural wonders, etc.).

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell: Based on the Childhood of a Great American Artist by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Gérard DuBois

Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst, illustrated by James Stevenson

Keep a Nature Journal.

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

Dig for worms.

An Earthworm's Life by John Himmelman

Yucky Worms by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

Go fishing.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner

H Is for Hook: A Fishing Alphabet by Judy Young

Go for a night hike with a flashlight.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd 

Night Walk by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Pick fresh berries and bake a pie.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett, translated by Earl N. Cook 

Pie for Breakfast: Simple Baking Recipes for Kids by Cynthia Cliff

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Shifting from Summer to School

Transitioning from Summer to School

Although it can be hard to think about the end of summer days and the return to routine, there is value to getting back into a consistent schedule. Steady, well-thought-out routines help our children develop good habits that can last a lifetime. In addition, the consistency of routines can decrease stress, ease anxiety, and reduce irritability (for both children and parents!). 

Ideally, the transition from summer to the school year can happen gradually so your child can gently adjust to the skills and schedules that will allow for a smooth start on the first day. Here are a few things to consider as you begin this shift.

Casual Conversation & Calendars

We’ve found that it helps to begin by casually talking about the start of school. While out shopping, you can notice aloud how stores have back-to-school items and comment about how it’s almost time for the school year to begin. Because young children live in the present, it is important to keep the time frame general.

If you do talk about school with your child, it’s best to try not to build up false expectations about what they will do in school. Modeling curiosity and openness can go a long way. If you drive by a school, for example, you can wonder aloud: “I wonder what children in this school do after they walk in the door.” Or “I’m so curious about what kinds of activities children enjoy doing during their school day.”

Older children who have a solid concept of linear time can benefit from having a family calendar that is visible to everyone. They might want to mark off a countdown to the first day, or help set some benchmarks for getting back into a normal sleep schedule. 

Sleep Routines

One of the hardest parts of coming out of vacation mode can be shifting back into a school sleep schedule. Rather than just expecting that everyone will adjust on the first day, it’s best to gradually transition into the school-year bedtime and wake-up routine. 

If late bedtimes have become the norm, it can be most effective to start the process about 10 to 14 days prior to the first day of school. First determine what time your child will need to wake up in order to have a peaceful, unhurried morning. You can then start waking your child up a little earlier each morning. In addition, you’ll want to have bedtime begin a little earlier each night. Making these changes in 15-minute increments works best. The goal is for your child to begin getting up rested and refreshed at the wake-up time you’ve determined. 

We recommend establishing an age-appropriate bedtime and sleep routine. Having a calm mind at bedtime and developing good sleep habits, has long-term benefits for your child. For more information visit the Sleep Foundation. 

Morning Routines

Having enough time for a calm, consistent morning routine decreases stress and anxiety for everyone. Plus, children really appreciate having some ownership over the process. 

To prepare, you can make sure your child has clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off. For younger children, you can have two outfit options available so they can choose what they want to wear. Older children can select their clothes the night before and lay them out for the next morning. 

It can also help to collaborate with your child to create a visual schedule of what needs to happen each morning: getting up and out of bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, preparing lunch and snacks, etc. You can add images to the schedule and even turn it into a checklist. If you laminate the schedule or checklist, children may appreciate using a dry erase marker to check off each item they have completed.

Preparing Snacks & Lunch

Having snacks and lunch prepared ahead of time can ease a great deal of morning stress. Even the youngest children can help get their snack and lunch food ready. Sometimes having everything ready the night before is easiest, so all children need to do is put containers in their lunch bags to be ready to head out the door. That being said, with enough advance preparation and plenty of time built into the morning schedule, preparing lunch and snacks can easily happen in the morning. 

To support children in making their own lunches, we just need to make sure to have some healthy options prepared and accessible. This can mean having a low section of the cupboard or refrigerator designated for child-friendly snacks and lunch options. You can do some minimal food prep–like hard-boiling and peeling eggs, slicing up chicken breast, or chopping vegetables–and then have the items ready in small, easy-to-open containers.

If you pack your own lunch alongside your child, you can also model choosing healthy foods and serving sizes. 

Stay Organized

Your child (and you) benefit from a sense of order and predictability. Thus, we recommend dedicating and preparing a space in your home for all school necessities, such as backpacks, lunch bags, shoes, etc. Ideally, this space for school items is attractive and child-sized. Having low hooks or a small shelf near the door can allow your child to develop a strong sense of capability and independence. 

Even before school begins, you can practice coming home and putting everything where it belongs. Your child can be in charge of hanging their backpack on a low hook and even putting their lunch containers in the sink or dishwasher. 

If the space gets a little disheveled, you can take a few minutes together with your child to tidy up the items and appreciate how much better things feel when everything is in its place. 

The transition from summer to school year can be an opportunity to establish teamwork and collaboration with your child. So that your child can be an active participant in the process and so that you don’t end up taking on all the stress, remember to ease into the new routines, allow time and space to prepare consistent systems, and provide just enough support for your child to experience some independence and success in the process. The result? Healthy habits and a more peaceful practice for everyone. 

Want a quick reference for the transition from school to summer? Download this one-page printable!

5 Ways to Support Summer Learning

Just because your child may be taking a break from school, that doesn’t mean their learning stops. Learning is a beautiful and continuous journey, and summer is a special opportunity for some families to spend a bit of extra time together. They may not have formal math lessons, botanical classifications, or grammar work over the next couple months, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t so much more to discover!

Here are five simple tips to help your child stay engaged and curious about their world over the coming months.

1. Follow the Child

Take the most essential Montessori mantra and let it guide you. Is your child into dinosaurs? Ancient civilizations? Animals? Whatever it is they feel passionate about lately, help them dive deeply into learning as much as they can about it. This may mean collecting books on the subject matter, helping them create projects, taking day trips to enhance their learning, or consulting online museum resources for ideas.

Not sure where to start? Pay attention to the types of activities your child gravitates toward naturally. Do they like to move their bodies a lot, or are they more likely to curl up in a quiet corner? Are they more interested in independent or cooperative work/play? Are they focused on precision and order or do they seem constantly sprawled out over a large area?

So much of a child’s inclinations have to do with their age and developmental phase, but a large portion is wholly individualistic. It may feel new to you, but try to slow down and notice. You may be struck by the insights you gain, and it will certainly point you in the right direction.

2. Make Memories

Whether you’re home all day or working extra hours, there are plenty of ways to make important connections with your child while incorporating a little learning. Vacations are nice, but children don’t need grand gestures to look back fondly on their summers. They probably won’t remember most of the little details of what you do together, but the emotions and feelings connected to those experiences will absolutely stick around.

A few ideas to get you started:

• Working late? Call and read a bedtime story over the phone.

• Plant a garden - even a mini container garden will do - and tend to it together daily. Notice the changes not only in the plants, but in the other creatures that begin to interact with them.

• Sing songs together.

• Cook together and involve your child in as many of the steps as is developmentally appropriate. There are endless practical life and math skills to be gained in the kitchen.

• Keep a journal or scrapbook together. Depending on your child’s age and interest, this could take on various forms.

3. Create a (Loose) Schedule

Lazy days stretching out endlessly feels gloriously freeing, but after a while, things can get a bit stale. Having a schedule - even if it’s a flexible one - can give children the structure they crave while making sure they have plenty of time to relax and explore. Make sure they get up and go to bed at regular times (even if those times are a bit later than during the school year). Keep any chores or expectations in place throughout the summer months.

Some families find having a weekly outline can take the guesswork out of making plans and give kids something to look forward to each day. Weather, appointments, or special events may necessitate changes from week to week, but that’s okay! Here’s a sample of what we mean:

• Mondays- Beach day

• Tuesdays- Library day

• Wednesdays- Have friends over

• Thursdays- Take a day trip

• Fridays- Art project

4. Spend Plenty of Time Outdoors

This will look different for every family, but everyone benefits from daily time spent in natural spaces. If you don’t have a lot of options locally, go with what you’ve got. If you’re lucky enough, mixing it up from week to week makes things interesting!

Local Parks - Many communities have small local parks. Your child might enjoy playing on a playground, running around in an open field, or maybe climbing a tree or two. Just being in green spaces is highly beneficial for kids physically, mentally, and emotionally. (Plus, all that spent energy might mean a good night’s sleep!)

State and National Parks - Larger parks offer different opportunities. Some may have kiosks that explain the unique features of the park, or even guide visitors toward points of interest. These are the types of places that families can visit again and again, discovering new things each time.

Hiking - Looking to revisit an old hobby or start a new one with your child? Hiking is a great activity with lots of health benefits that can be done pretty much anywhere. Whether you have access to mountains or you take a historic walk through a dense urban center, hiking creates endless learning opportunities as well.

Swimming - What more can we say about this? Swimming is a classic and fun way to cool down from the hot summer heat!

Your Yard - We mentioned gardening above; planting things that need daily care is one way to get outdoors. It can also be nice to encourage unstructured playtime outdoors. You might set up a sprinkler for kids to run through, or take out some bubbles or sports equipment. But, you might also just let them figure out what to do on their own. Even a small backyard presents infinite possibilities for the curious child.

5. Incorporate Reading

You’re probably not surprised to see this on our list! We encourage all families to find ways to work reading into their daily routines. A quick list of ideas:

• Go to the library once each week

• Read bedtime stories together (even with your preteens!)

• Use those hot, quiet, early afternoon hours as a time for everyone to rest with a book

• Let your child see you reading for pleasure

• Listen to audiobooks at home or in the car

• Read a book that was made into a movie - then watch the movie together! Discuss the similarities and differences

Hopefully this article has given you a few new ideas to try together this summer. Did we miss anything? Do you have more you would add to the list? Let us know!

Summer Learning: Finding a Balance

Families typically undergo a period of transition between the end of the school year and summer vacation. This year’s transition will certainly look very different than most, but it’s still there. We are here to support you as you figure out a balance between learning and relaxing. This will look different for every family, but finding ways to meet the needs of both children and parents doesn’t need to feel impossible.

In what areas does your child need support?

After spending a bit of time this spring working with your child at home, you likely have a pretty good idea about what their strengths and weaknesses are. While summer is a great time to ease up on academics, it’s perfectly fine to spend a little time focusing on skills that your child could use a little extra support with.

Some tips to keep work light, fun, and effective:

• Identify reasonable goals. Your child’s teacher is a helpful person to consult with on this.

• Decide how much time to spend each week. Fifteen minutes each day? Ten minutes three days a week? A bit longer for an older child? Keep it brief but consistent.

• Make it fun. If your child is dreading the work, they’re not going to get a whole lot out of it. Find ways to integrate skill building into other activities, or again, consult your child’s teacher for ideas.

• In lieu of traditional praise, reframe your observations. Instead of saying, “Good job!” say, “I notice you worked really hard on that. How do you feel?” This practice will cultivate internal motivation rather than a desire to work to please others.

What are some simple things you can do for maintenance?

Let’s say your child is a strong reader. If they don’t spend much time reading all summer long, that strength is likely to fade somewhat. It’s important to find stress-free ways to keep skills sharp over the next several months. Again, keep it light, fun, and brief. Pay attention to your child and let their enthusiasm be your guide. If they love to read, make sure to carve out a bit of time each day for them to do that. If math is fun for them, make up word problems that have to do with your daily life or ask them to help you figure out real-life problems. Is science and nature more their thing? What better time than summer to explore and learn!

How might you enrich daily life?

Before we jump into the possibilities for enrichment, we would like to remind you to keep your expectations manageable. If you have your own work to attend to, or are dealing with family or health issues, coming up with creative fun for your child may have to wait, and that’s okay. When you have a few spare moments, make sure there are plenty of independent options for your child around the house: dishes and snacks within reach, high-interest games and toys available, art supplies, puzzles, and books are all great ways to encourage your child to enjoy their time independently when your attention has to be elsewhere.

That being said, if you do have some more time to spend together as a family, consider how you might want to spend it.

• Get your creative juices flowing and try out some family art projects.

• Spend time outdoors! Here are some helpful tips for doing so during the pandemic.

• Head to the kitchen and cook together. Here are some fun and simple recipes.

• Work in some regularly scheduled fun. Friday movie nights? Pizza on Wednesdays?

• Explore your interests. Whether you and your child love art, music, birds, or soccer, have fun learning together. 

Should the routine be different?

Yes... and no. Summer is a great time to loosen up and relax the rules a little bit. Children still need basic schedules to help them feel grounded and safe, but that doesn’t mean they can’t stay up late one Tuesday night to do some stargazing. You may have specific screen time rules as a family, but it’s okay if you wake up one rainy morning and all decide to stay in your pajamas and watch tv. While it might sound completely counterintuitive, remember two things:

1. Your child needs structure and routine. Don’t throw that away completely just because it’s summer.

2. It’s summer. It’s okay to make some adjustments and flex those rules once in a while.

What do children really need right now?

We have all been through a lot in recent months. We know you already know this, but what your child needs most is to have you be there for them. They need to know you love them and will support them. You are the certainty during uncertain times.

As we all move forward defining our new normal, kids are still kids. They help us remember to have fun and enjoy the small things in each moment. They need us to slow down and do that with them. They need us to step away from chores and work on a puzzle with them. They need us to turn off the computer and help them dig a hole in the yard.

We all need to revel in our own little moments of joy. Let this be a summer to make a few memories together. 

Back to School

And just like that, summer is drawing to a close.  School is right around the corner, and we’re here to give you some tips and tricks to get the kids (and yourselves) ready!

Supplies 

Now is a great time to start gathering school supplies if you haven’t already started.  Take into consideration your child’s age and what they will really need for school.  Most Montessori classrooms utilize community supplies that are shared, but many teachers have a wish list or requested supply list for parents. Be sure to check the letter you received from your child’s teacher over the summer.

As children get older, they may need more traditional school supplies.  Again, we recommend checking with your child’s teacher, but it’s helpful to have pencils, crayons, scissors, and paper on hand at home for projects.  Older children may need notebooks and more specialized supplies.

Bedtimes

Long summer days and less pressure to wake up early often leads to later bedtimes for children.  While this is great for family fun, it’s helpful to reassess your child’s sleep needs before school starts.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

• Infants 4 months to 12 months should sleep 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

• Children 1 to 2 years of age should sleep 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

• Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

• Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

• Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Supports-Childhood-Sleep-Guidelines.aspx

To make sure your child is sleep-ready for school, consider what time they will need to go to bed on an ideal school night, then start slowly inching bedtime back each day from now until the start of school. 

Routines

Children thrive with routine.  While it’s not always possible during summertime, it’s super important to reestablish routines when getting ready to head back to school.

Bedtime isn’t just about sleep, but also the hour or so leading up to it.  Create predictable steps and order so that your child can focus on rest and not anticipation of what’s next.  You may want to begin bedtime with a warm bath, followed by putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and reading a story in bed.  

Morning routines are helpful, too.  What do you expect your child to do independently, and what will they need help with?  Again, try to keep the same order and timing each day so everything runs smoothly.  Children who need reminders (read: most kids) often find it helpful to have a visual reminder.  Post a note in your child’s bedroom or the bathroom listing the order of what needs to be done.  For children who aren’t reading yet, a picture list can be made.

Lunches

Will you need to make lunches for your child when they head off to school?  If so, it doesn’t hurt to think ahead.  Once you gather these supplies they should last for years. Again, check in with your child’s teacher for recommendations.

Lunch supply basics:

• A reusable lunch bag

• Reusable lunch containers (bento boxes, sandwich wraps, snack containers, etc.)

• A reusable water bottle

• Small cloth placemats and napkins

• Reusable cutlery

When school does start, it can be helpful to make lunches the night before, and your children can help!  Older children can begin making their own lunches each day.  

Conversations

Begin talking with your child about the upcoming school year.  Chances are they’re excited, but if it’s a new school or a new class, they may have some reservations.  Let them know what to expect and encourage them to ask questions.  Some possible talking points:

• If it is a new school, feel free to take a drive by to show them or remind them what the building looks like.

• What will drop-off and pick-up be like for your child?

• Are there any changes in their class this year? You might discuss new teachers, new students, or anything else that will be different.

• To the best of your ability, describe what their days will be like.

• Ask your child what their hopes are for the year. This is especially helpful and important for children in elementary and above. They can include hopes and dreams not just about academics, but friendships, special classes, and whatever else they can think of.

Lastly, if there is any information you need from us before the start of the school year, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.  We are looking forward to seeing your children and starting off another great year!

Living Montessori in the Summer

If you’re reading this, you’re either:

1. Sending your child to a Montessori school and totally dedicated to the philosophy, or

2. Very curious about whether Montessori might be a good fit for your family.

Either way, you can create a Montessori-style summer that will either continue the experience, or give you a chance to try it out.

Maria Montessori cared deeply about honoring human development.  From the materials she created to the environments they are placed in to the delivery of the model, great attention is paid to the specific developmental phase a child is in.  You can do the same, simply and with just a little forethought...

Keeping your child’s needs in mind

So what exactly did Montessori have to say about the different stages of development?  Here’s a very quick rundown:

Infants and toddlers: Children in the earliest years are making great strides in development of movement and spoken language.  Though they will seek some level of independence, they still need quite a bit of support and lots of nurturing.  Children of this age display a strong preference for order.

3-6 year olds: The sense of order continues in this stage.  Primary-aged children want to do things for themselves, often literally saying, “I can do it!”  We try to let them, and modify their environment to make this possible.  It is also a time of huge growth in language, sensory refinement, early reading, writing, and math.  Children tend to work beside their peers, but independently.

6-12 year olds: The strong sense of order tends to disappear around this time, and is replaced by an emphasis on justice and social development.  Children at this age care very much about friendships and spend much of their time figuring out how to resolve conflicts together.  They are inspired by storytelling, science, history, and geography.  They continue to make great strides in the core academic areas.  They want to think for themselves.

Adolescents: Montessori recognized that adolescents are trying to balance their need for independence from adults, while still requiring quite a bit of support from them.  Increasing their responsibilities and providing them with challenges helps them work through this time.  This is a great time to start teaching children the skills they will need to master when they are finally ready to set out on their own.

Consider the routine

Routine is helpful for most humans, important for children, and critical for young children.  While vacations and daily activities will certainly mix up any routine, it’s a good idea to establish one anyway.  Routines give children consistency, which makes them feel safe.  It reduces behavioral issues and gives children the freedom to explore their world and take safe risks.  Consider the following:

• What does your child need to do each day upon waking?  Depending upon their age, what can you do to support their independence in this area?  A toddler may have a floor bed so that they may physically rise on their own, while a six-year-old might be responsible for getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and preparing their breakfast.

• What can your children do during the day (especially on days when there are no specific plans)?  Is there a bookcase containing age-appropriate books?  Are toys, games, puzzles, and art supplies organized and accessible?  Do your children feel free to explore these things independently, and have the knowledge and sense of responsibility to clean up when they are done?

• Do your children have independent access to snacks and water?  Allowing them to listen to their bodies and self-identify those needs is a precious gift.  

• Depending upon age, might your children help prepare meals?

• Is there a balance between active time and quiet time?  Between togetherness and independence?

• Just as it’s important to have a morning wake-up routine, consider what type of routine you want to establish for bed-time.  Though this might vary a bit from the regular school year, it’s still helpful to keep it consistent.

Integrate academics

This is totally possible to do without evoking moans and groans.  First of all, most Montessori children delight in academics.  Secondly, it can be done in short, effective bursts.  Some ideas:

• Read daily.  Read to them, have them read to you, to each other, to themselves.

• Find math in everyday life and talk about it.  The kitchen, shopping, driving - the possibilities for real-world word problems are endless.

• Spend 5 minutes a day on math facts.  Make it fun with sidewalk chalk, silly songs, jump roping, or dry erase markers on the living room window.

• Explore!  Dig into science, history, and geography by visiting local museums, parks, and landmarks.  Encourage their curiosities and research more together.

• Older children can journal their experiences.  This is especially effective with a fancy notebook and pencil.

“Going Out”

A hallmark of the Montessori elementary years is “going out”, or small groups of children organizing and executing a field trip to further their individual interests.  Are your kids into dinosaurs?  See if there are any nearby fossil sights or museum exhibits.  Do they love sea creatures?  Check out an aquarium or visit the beach to explore tide pools.  They key is to listen to your children and let their interests guide the trip.  

Embracing nature

People simply feel better when they spend time in nature.  Ideally, we should all get out there at least a little bit each day.  If you live in a place adjacent to a natural area - say a body of water or forest - then this should be easy.  But even in urban areas there are options.  Does your family have a favorite park?  Does your city have a botanical garden or arboretum?  Is it possible to drive a short distance to more natural areas?

Keep your child’s developmental phase in mind when planning outdoor experiences.  It can be easy to get excited about a hike only to find out little legs can’t make it as far as you thought.  Build in breaks, bring snacks, and take lots of pictures!

Making time for the arts

It’s fun, easy, and important to build art into your summer plans.  Children can both appreciate the art of others and create work of their own.

It’s likely that your local community has more art on display than you may realize.  Search for not only museums, but galleries, sculptures, and street art such as murals.  Older children can have fun making art scavenger hunts for younger siblings.  

Bring a sketchbook along on your summer adventures!  This multipack is perfect for families:  

https://www.amazon.com/VEEPPO-classic-vintage-notebook-12x18cm-100pages/dp/B01MXLKNWQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1527559432&sr=8-5&keywords=small+sketchbook

Drawing might be inspired by art they see, their outdoor adventures, or even tiny plants and creatures in your own backyard.  It can also be fun to participate in a daily sketchbook challenge such as this one: https://tinkerlab.com/july-sketchbook-challenge/ .

Other art possibilities are endless.  For infants and toddlers, it can be as simple as giving them a paintbrush, cup of water, and a smooth rock warmed in the sun.  They can paint the water on it, watch it disappear as it dries, and repeat for as long as the activity holds their interest.  Older children may want to experiment with a wide variety of medium.  Think pastels, watercolor, clay, collage, or charcoal.  Let them experiment and find new ways to use the materials.

Hopefully this post gives you some ideas for blending Montessori with summer home life.  Let us know how it goes!